Asbury United Methodist Church

Asbury United Methodist Church. Civil War to Civil Rights.

"…watch yourselves closely , so that you do not forget the things , your eyes have seen…, …teach them , to your children , and to their children , and to their children , after them." , Deuteronomy 4:19

, Stories of slavery and freedom, struggle, and achievement are woven throughout the history of this African American congregation. It was founded in 1836 by African American parishioners of Foundry Methodist Episcopal Church seeking a church of their own. By the time of the Civil War, Asbury was the preeminent black church in the city. Its membership of 600 made it the largest of the 11 African American congregations. Today Asbury counts among its members descendants of the enslaved Washingtonians who famously attempted a dramatic escape to freedom in 1848 aboard the sailing ship Pearl., Churches were centers of community life for African Americans, who had made up more than one-quarter of the city's population since Congress arrived in 1800. By 1830 a majority had gained their freedom. Despite "Black Codes" that severely restricted their movements and activities, African Americans practiced a variety of trades, ran their own businesses, and set up schools. By 1860 free blacks owned property in every quadrant of the city., Asbury United Methodist Church is the oldest black congregation in the District of Columbia that remains on its original site. The current sanctuary dates from 1915. Since its founding, Asbury's members have played leading roles in the life of the city, and its spiritual, educational, and humanitarian activities have contributed to efforts of black congregations throughout Washington, D.C., to attain equality for the city's many African American communities., [Captions:] , Worship services, above, engage young members with their own Children's Message. The sculpture at left by Erik Blome honors Asbury Church members. Mary Jane and Emily Catherine Edmonson and their brave attempts to escape from slavery in 1848. It was installed in 2010 on Duke St. in Alexandria, Va., Rev. Matthew Wesley Clair, Sr., left, pastor from 1902 to 1919, became one of the first two African Americans elected bishop in the Methodist Episcopal Church. Rev. Robert Moten Williams, right, increased Asbury's membership from 1,800 to 4,700 during his tenure (1931-1955)., Acclaimed African American photographer Addison Scurlock captured the Asbury congregation on its front steps in 1931., The modern church is politically active, including demanding Civil Rights during the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom., [Caption on reverse of marker:] , Members of the Asbury congregation pose for noted African American photographer Addison Scurlock in 1931.